Word Origin & History

choke c.1200, aphetic of acheken, from O.E. aceocian "to choke" (with intensive a-), probably from base of ceoke "jaw, cheek." Meaning "valve which controls air to a carburetor" first recorded 1926. Choke-cherry (1785) so called for its astringent qualities. Choker "large neckerchief" is from 1848.

Example Sentences for choke

I shall stop his recruiting, and choke his blasphemy with a good French sword.

It was the joyous work of a minute to beat and choke him into insensibility.

It's good for nothing but to choke a man and fill him full of smoke and embers.

Pull his tongue forward so it won't fall down his throat and choke him.

He seemed to feel himself highly honored, but Browning had hard work to choke back his absolute contempt for the fellow.

"There are more ways than one to choke a dog, Bigot," said he.

Sea anemones and rock oysters sputter and choke, and there is a fine fury of readjustment.

With a choke she ran towards him, holding up 262 her hands with horror.

I didn't say anything about my futile attempt to choke Lequat.

Again that frightful silence, then she was trying to choke back the sobs.